November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

Hawaiʻi-ANA recognizes the impact Alzheimerʻs Disease has on our patients, friends and loved ones. We want to take this month to share unique opportunities available to either engage in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease and/or learning opportunities about compassion end-of-life care. 

November 6, 2021: Virtual Walk to End Alzheimer's

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

Your health and safety are the top priorities for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®. Our community currently has a high number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Out of an abundance of caution — and in partnership with local leadership — we're asking you to Walk From Home, as we will not be gathering together.

Walk is happening — we'll just be safely participating in our own neighborhoods instead of all together. We're disappointed that we won't all be gathered in person, but the last year has shown us that even when we're apart, we can still rally together to fight Alzheimer's.

While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.

November 11, 2021 2pm HST: Everything You Wanted to Know About VSED But Were Afraid To Ask

Compassion & Choices continues its campaign to educate and empower all people with the knowledge and tools to be prepared in the event of a dementia diagnosis. As part of our observance, we’re offering a webinar series exploring VSED, or voluntarily stopping eating and drinking, an important option that exists for people in their final days. The webinar is led by Dr. Timothy E. Quill, co-editor of the new book, Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking: A Compassionate, Widely Available Option for Hastening Death, will discuss the clinical, ethical, legal and institutional issues that arise in the context of choosing to stop eating and drinking at the end of life or for those suffering from dementia.

November 18, 2021 2pm HST: Finish Strong: Don't Worry, Be Ready

Compassion & Choices' Dementia Values & Priorities tool will help you identify the level of care that’s right for you in the face of advancing disease. This addendum to your healthcare directive walks through the symptoms that accompany the various stages of dementia and helps you indicate to your loved ones what matters most to you. Matt Whitaker, Compassion & Choices' national director of integrated programs, will demonstrate the online tool and answer your questions.